Innovative Housing Construction Summit
Building Tomorrow’s Homes Today
Innovative Housing Construction Summit
Building Tomorrow’s Homes Today
Affordable Housing in the Virgin Islands
In the Virgin Islands, the high cost of construction materials, outdated building methods, and strict building codes have made it nearly impossible to build affordable homes and rental units. Many residents struggle to find housing they can afford, while short-term vacation rentals continue to reduce the number of available homes for local families.
Between 2022 and 2024, homelessness rose by 18%, as reported by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. This increase is directly linked to the limited availability of long-term residential rentals due to the rise of short-term vacation housing. To address this crisis, we must take bold steps—introducing modern, cost-saving construction methods, updating outdated codes, and expanding access to essential financing options like FHA 203(b) and 203(k) mortgage loans, which are currently unavailable in the territory.
We believe it’s time for change.
Affordable Housing
in the Virgin Islands
In the Virgin Islands, the high cost of construction materials, outdated building methods, and strict building codes have made it nearly impossible to build affordable homes and rental units. Many residents struggle to find housing they can afford, while short-term vacation rentals continue to reduce the number of available homes for local families.
Between 2022 and 2024, homelessness rose by 18%, as reported by the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services. This increase is directly linked to the limited availability of long-term residential rentals due to the rise of short-term vacation housing. To address this crisis, we must take bold steps—introducing modern, cost-saving construction methods, updating outdated codes, and expanding access to essential financing options like FHA 203(b) and 203(k) mortgage loans, which are currently unavailable in the territory.
We believe it’s time for change.
What Needs to Happen
We need to use smarter, more affordable building methods and materials.
We need updated building codes that allow these new methods—and that means working with lawmakers to make it happen.
We need access to better financing options, like FHA-backed mortgage and construction loans that can make homeownership possible for more families.
Our Mission
The Innovative Housing Construction Campaign and Summit brings together local leaders, experts, and community members to find real solutions for affordable housing. We’re not just talking about the problem—we’re working together to build homes that locals can afford, using the best tools, ideas, and partnerships available.
Our Mission
The Innovative Housing Construction Campaign and Summit brings together local leaders, experts, and community members to find real solutions for affordable housing. We’re not just talking about the problem—we’re working together to build homes that locals can afford, using the best tools, ideas, and partnerships available.
What Needs to Happen
We need to use smarter, more affordable building methods and materials.
We need updated building codes that allow these new methods—and that means working with lawmakers to make it happen.
We need access to better financing options, like FHA-backed mortgage and construction loans that can make homeownership possible for more families.
HOW THE PLAN WILL HAPPEN
The Campaign & Summit
The Innovative Housing Construction Campaign and Summit is a multi-event initiative designed to tackle these issues head-on. Led by the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of REALTORS® (VITAR), and powered by grants from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), this effort brings together a wide range of partners, stakeholders, and community voices to reimagine how we build homes in the Virgin Islands.
This campaign isn't just about discussion—it's about creating real solutions for affordable housing through collaboration, education, and action.
Powered by Partnerships
This effort is made possible by a growing coalition of public, private, and nonprofit partners—including our key legislative partner, Senator Marvin Blyden, Chair of the VI Legislature Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications.
Senator Blyden is a long-standing champion of affordable housing and the author of Bill 29 VIC Section 713(3), which provides tax exemptions for the production of affordable housing. This critical legislation helps reduce the cost of development, paving the way for more accessible homes across the territory.
HOW THE PLAN WILL HAPPEN
The Campaign & Summit
The Innovative Housing Construction Campaign and Summit is a multi-event initiative designed to tackle these issues head-on. Led by the Virgin Islands Territorial Association of REALTORS® (VITAR), and powered by grants from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), this effort brings together a wide range of partners, stakeholders, and community voices to reimagine how we build homes in the Virgin Islands.
This campaign isn't just about discussion—it's about creating real solutions for affordable housing through collaboration, education, and action.
Powered by Partnerships
This effort is made possible by a growing coalition of public, private, and nonprofit partners—including our key legislative partner, Senator Marvin Blyden, Chair of the VI Legislature Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications.
Senator Blyden is a long-standing champion of affordable housing and the author of Bill 29 VIC Section 713(3), which provides tax exemptions for the production of affordable housing. This critical legislation helps reduce the cost of development, paving the way for more accessible homes across the territory.
Who Will Be Involved
Thanks to NAR grant funding, the campaign will feature a series of educational events and hands-on summits that bring together:
Builders &
Contractors
Tradespeople
& Skilled Workers
Architects &
Appraisers
Experts in Modern
& Sustainable
Building
Mortgage & Insurance Professionals
Building Material Suppliers & Manufacturers
Government Agencies & Code Inspectors
Community Leaders & Policymakers
These events will provide space for open dialogue, innovation demos, feedback on policy reforms, and real collaboration between decision-makers and the people on the ground.
Who Will Be Involved
Thanks to NAR grant funding, the campaign will feature a series of educational events and hands-on summits that bring together:
Builders & Contractors
Tradespeople & Skilled Workers
Architects & Appraisers
Experts in Modern & Sustainable Building
Mortgage & Insurance Professionals
Building Material Suppliers & Manufacturers
Government Agencies & Code Inspectors
Community Leaders & Policymakers
These events will provide space for open dialogue, innovation demos, feedback on policy reforms, and real collaboration between decision-makers and the people on the ground.
Join Us
We invite you to be part of the solution. Whether you’re a builder, a policymaker, a renter, or a concerned citizen, your voice matters. Together, we can build a stronger, more affordable housing future for the Virgin Islands.
COPYRIGHT 2024
Join Us
We invite you to be part of the solution. Whether you’re a builder, a policymaker, a renter, or a concerned citizen, your voice matters. Together, we can build a stronger, more affordable housing future for the Virgin Islands.
COPYRIGHT 2024